2900-AR25 202304 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 2900 Department of Veterans Affairs VA Presumptive Service Connection for Respiratory Conditions Due to Exposure to Particulate Matter

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is considering rulemaking to establish presumptions of service connection for respiratory conditions based on presumed exposures to particulate matter in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War and/or a period of active service on or after September 19, 2001, in Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan during the Persian Gulf War. The VA Secretary has identified a priority to address toxic exposures and particulate matter exposure for Gulf War veterans. VA is working quickly to develop a regulatory response to the 2020 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and subsequent VA analysis examining the respiratory health effects of airborne hazards exposures on veterans who were deployed to the Southwest Asia theater of operations. These amendments are in accordance with the President’s priorities that improve service delivery, customer experience, and reduce administrative burdens for those accessing public benefits and services.

]]> Economically Significant Previously Published in The Unified Agenda Final Rule Stage Yes No 38 CFR 3.319 new 38 U.S.C. 501(a) No Interim Final Rule 08/05/2021 86 FR 42724 Interim Final Rule Effective 08/05/2021 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/04/2021 Final Action 10/00/2023 No No None No No No No Jane Che Director, Compensation Service (VBA 2900 Department of Veterans Affairs VA 202 461-9728 jane.che@va.gov 1800 G Street NW, 6th floor, Washington DC 20420